Anderson, Price join Eels coaching ranks

Former Australian Test coach Chris Anderson has today accepted an offer to join the Parramatta Eels in a support role to head coach Stephen Kearney.

Kearney, who shares a close relationship with Anderson forged during their time at the Melbourne Storm, described his former mentor’s appointment as a “welcome reinforcement” amidst a difficult start to the 2012 season.

Eels Chief Executive Bob Bentley confirmed Anderson’s role would be to act as an additional resource for Kearney, commencing from this weekend.

“Chris will act very much as a mentor for Steve, as he has done in the past when the two of them won a Premiership with the Storm in 1999,” Bentley said.

“Both Steve and our Board have been pro-active in identifying areas where we can improve our structure and Chris coming on board in a coaching mentor role is an example of that.”

“Results on the field obviously haven’t been great this year but as a Club we have the right foundations in place to improve, and that’s where the focus remains.”

Kearney said Anderson’s wealth of experience would be a valuable asset he’d utilise in achieving his long-term vision for the Club.

“Chris and I go back a while and he is someone who I have a lot of respect for and someone whose achievements in the game speak for itself,” Kearney said.

“For me, the common goal here is to get this Club to where it should be and that’s challenging for a Premiership each and every year.

“To have someone like Chris Anderson in our corner is only going to make us stronger. He’s certainly someone who I’ll use as a sounding board on different things.

“No one here is under any illusion our results haven’t been good enough this year but what I can say is we are very confident in the structures we have in place to achieve sustained success.”

Anderson said he was looking forward to working with Kearney, backing the Kiwi Test coach to lead the Eels through the tough period the Club was enduring.

“I’ve known Steve for a long time and we’ve always had a good relationship,” Anderson said.

“From my point of view I’m here to help him in any areas he feels he could use some assistance.

“I’m excited to be involved with the Club and from what I have seen, there are some strong foundations already in place.

“I’m in a position where I can offer my experience in order to help the Club get to where it wants to go, and I’m looking forward to doing that.”

The Eels also confirmed today that Hall of Fame member Ray Price will contribute to the development of the Club’s junior forwards in a mentoring role with the Eels Academy.

One of the Eels’ greatest ever forwards, Price said he was excited to be given an opportunity to impart his knowledge and experience on the next generation of Parramatta players.

“I’ve always wanted to give something back to the Club and I’m glad I’m being given a go, especially because there are some terrific young blokes coming through who I can help out,” Price said.

“It’s good to be part of it and I’m confident we’ll come out of this for the better, it’s just going to take a lot of hard work.”

The Eels Academy is made up of the Club’s elite junior contracted players and combines skill and physical development with life-education courses and activities.

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